Choosing a degree should be about more than picking a major that sounds interesting.
START WITH THE LIFE AND CAREER YOU WANT
Students are often asked, “What do you want to major in?” before anyone asks what kind of work, lifestyle, or
future they actually want.
Start there. Think about the types of problems you enjoy solving, the environments where you work best, how
much education you are willing to complete, where you want to live, and what kind of flexibility or stability matters
to you. You do not need your entire life figured out, but you should have a direction.
SBH ACADEMIC NOTE: Choose a program that supports your goals instead of choosing a goal simply because it matches a program.
RESEARCH THE CAREERS CONNECTED TO THE DEGREE
A degree title does not always tell you what graduates actually do. Look at several career paths connected to the
program, including entry-level roles and what advancement may look like later.
Pay attention to typical job requirements. Some careers require graduate school, professional licensure,
internships, certifications, portfolios, or technical skills in addition to the degree. Knowing that before enrolling
helps prevent surprises later.
SBH ACADEMIC NOTE: Research the destination, not just the degree description.
COMPARE PROGRAMS, NOT JUST SCHOOLS
Two universities can offer degrees with the same name but very different coursework, concentrations, internship
opportunities, costs, and graduation requirements.
Review the actual curriculum. Look at required courses, electives, concentrations, transfer policies, delivery
format, career services, and opportunities for practical experience. Also verify institutional and, when relevant,
programmatic accreditation.
SBH ACADEMIC NOTE: The right school matters, but the right program within that school matters just as much
LOOK AT THE TOTAL COST AND TIME TO COMPLETION
Tuition is only part of the cost. Consider fees, books, housing, transportation, lost work hours, and how long the
program is likely to take you personally.
Transfer credits, course sequencing, prerequisite requirements, and whether classes are offered when you need
them can change the real cost substantially. A less expensive tuition rate is not always the less expensive degree if it takes much longer to finish.
SBH ACADEMIC NOTE: Ask what the degree will cost from enrollment through graduation, not just what one semester costs.
GIVE YOURSELF ROOM TO ADJUST
Choosing carefully does not mean you can never change direction. Students learn more about themselves as they
take classes, work, intern, and gain exposure to different fields.
The goal is to make an informed decision with the information you have now, then evaluate your progress along
the way. Changing a concentration or adjusting a career goal can be a smart decision when it is intentional rather
than reactive.
SBH ACADEMIC NOTE: A good academic plan has direction, but it also has flexibility.
THE RIGHT DEGREE SHOULD FIT THE PERSON, NOT JUST THE RESUME
College is a major investment of time, money, and effort. The strongest choice is usually where your interests,
abilities, career opportunities, financial reality, and long-term goals overlap.
Do the research before enrolling, ask detailed questions, and build an academic plan that connects your
coursework to where you actually want to go.
